Posts In: Public

Case Study: University of Derby Interior Clock

January 31, 2018 Creative, Public, Time, Uncategorized

Client: University of Derby Location: Derby, UK Size: 1.7m overall diameter Students and lecturers at the University of Derby are welcomed by this modern clock design as they approach the internal stairwell of the Westwing building. This bespoke clock was part of a renovation that transformed a sports hall into lecture rooms and offices. It has introduced dynamism and character into what might have been a blank space. Keeping to the colour scheme set by the interior designer, Paragon Interiors, this clock was created with laser-cut aluminium numerals and striking white and yellow hands. Presented on a black wall, this…

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Training key priority for Smith of Derby Clockmakers

January 16, 2018 Heritage, News, Public, Time, Traditional

Our clockmakers were taken off the road last week for training at our Derby workshop. This included working with external specialists as well as experts from within the team on aspects of traditional turret clock history and care; health and safety; customer relations and electronics. They were also introduced to new products and some projects in development. Safety is a main priority for our company with our specialists receiving training and maintenance checks on their equipment and company vehicles ensuring we are a safe pair of hands. It is part of our ongoing commitment to enhance the knowledge and skills…

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See our apprentices dismantling the James Harrison of Hull’s clock @derbysilkmill

December 22, 2017 Heritage, News, Public, Time, Traditional

Check out our apprentice clockmakers Sam, Mitch and Tom dismantling the James Harrison of Hull’s Clock @derbysilkmill on Monday 18th December. James Harrison of Hull’s clock is now @smithofderby workshop waiting to be carefully restored under the guidance of turret clock and particularly Harrison specialist Chris McKay. For the latest updates please visit twitter pages @derbymuseums @smithofderby.

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Our apprentices to restore historic Harrison clock

December 15, 2017 Heritage, News, Public, Time, Traditional

Derby Museums and Smith of Derby are delighted to announce a partnership project that will see the historic Harrison clock, formerly of Derby Guildhall, removed from Derby Silk Mill and restored to working condition by apprentices at Smith of Derby. This exciting project has the dual benefit of training up future clockmakers and maintainers while safeguarding the future of one of the museum’s, and Derby’s, most significant treasures. The project will also see the nationally-significant Whitehurst I turret clock removed to Smith of Derby for safe keeping and display during the course of the Silk Mill’s £16.4m renovation to become…

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Keeping Public Time behind London’s mechanical clocks

December 14, 2017 News, Public, Time

Nick Whitworth, a filmmaker with an interest in clock making, approached our clockmaking company to see if we would be able to work together to highlight the mechanical clock work behind some of London’s most beautiful landmarks. The film follows Matthew Smith, one of Smith of Derby’s longest-serving clockmakers, as he carried out alterations on mechanical clocks across London, including clock mechanisms at St. Paul’s Knightsbridge and Westminster Abbey. Many of us know that the clocks change twice a year to account for Daylight Saving Time but few are probably aware of just what this entails. Behind the dials and hands visible from street level there are…

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The clock is ticking – ‘time to boost apprenticeships’ says The Guardian

November 20, 2017 News, Public, Time

Read The Guardian’s story about the importance of investing in skills and apprenticeships, featuring a recent visit to our clockmaking company and our commitment to apprenticeships. The article highlights our commitment to apprenticeships and a couple of nice quotes from our young clockmakers. If you are looking for a career in clockmaking and would like to learn on the job whilst getting paid, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you!              

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Luxury Interior Clock for Harrods Roast & Bake Hall

November 17, 2017 Creative, News, Public, Time

Here you might wish to linger a little longer than normal for a coffee break. The monumental transformation of the historic Harrods Food Halls is underway, and the first phase – the Roastery and Bake Hall – is now open. Aptly described as a taste revolution the new destination provides the ultimate sanctuary for food lovers to see and smell, touch and taste. And it is worth not being in too much of a hurry as the surroundings may be enjoyed as much as what is on offer. At the heart of the Art Deco inspired refurbishment is a new Smith…

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New External Clocks for LSQ London Offices and Retail Space in Leicester Square

November 8, 2017 Creative, News, Public

Smith of Derby build, install and maintain architectural and landmark public clocks, with our work spread throughout the UK as well as worldwide. Our family of clock making companies includes four of the most reputable names in British Horology with centuries of experience in making and restoring public time. At 48 Leicester Square we have worked with Make Architects to supply and install the set of four 1.6m diameter illuminated clocks which crown each corner of the building. Each bronze effect case houses a synchronous drive timekeeping unit and low-energy lighting in the form of LEDs. The timekeeping units are interlinked to…

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We’re changing our logo: About our redesign

September 21, 2017 Heritage, News, Public, Traditional

Written by Joe Smith, Director & 5th Generation Smith Family. Over the last year we have been designing a fresh “face” to the world. Actually four fresh faces – for our long standing clockmaking companies: J B Joyce of Whitchurch, James Ritchie of Edinburgh, William Potts of Leeds, and John Smith & Sons of Derby. Ours is a rich heritage that dates right back to the 1690’s and we are reflecting this through a common identity theme, perpetuating the individual company names as well as their traditional hand and dial designs. This means we’ll have new brand identities with the…

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Smith of Derby, Rolls Royce & JCB on the #ICTP2017 Industry Tour

September 21, 2017 News, Public

We are thrilled to be hosting a visit from delegates attending the ICTP Conference in Cambridge this Friday, 22nd September. The industry tour is coming to our clock company after visiting Rolls-Royce Aerospace and JCB, and will include leading engineers, academics and other practitioners. ICTP, the ‘Olympic games of metal forming’ was founded in 1984 and is one of the biggest international events in forming technology. The 12th ICTP, the first to be held in the United Kingdom, builds on a long tradition of excellence from all over the world. Bob Betts, our Managing Director said: “We’re delighted to be selected for the ICTP industry tour and we’re looking forward to…

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